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Cal has Second Double-Session Practice

BERKELEY - The California football team had its second double-session practice of fall camp Monday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. The two practices went two hours plus each, with 25 periods in the morning session and 22 in the afternoon session.

Both sessions included the addition of piped in crowd noise during seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills, which the team started using at Sunday's practice.

Defense dominated the afternoon practice, clogging holes and deflecting passes. Defensive back Robert Peele had two deflections while linebacker Desmond Bishop stuffed the running game.

The offense had promising moments as well. In the morning practice, quarterback Steve Levy connected with wide receiver Drew Glover on two occasions, one for a 60-yard touchdown.

'The offense and defense have been working long and hard together,' head coach Jeff Tedford said. 'They are not there congratulating one another when they make plays. It's a good environment. We get a chance to work each other every day. The receivers are against a lot of speed; (the offensive line) has to block Mebane and Tafisi every day; our backs have to block Desmond Bishop coming off the edge. That makes everybody better.'

In the afternoon practice, Levy wasn't done making big plays, as he threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver LaReylle Cunningham. Cunningham made an impressive grab, leaping over the defender and hauling in the football.

Running back Marshawn Lynch had an impressive run during 11-on-11 drills, running through the defense for a big gain.

The Bears are getting closer to their season opener at Tennessee. Linebacker Byron Storer said he likes the way the team is coming together at camp and is looking forward to getting the season underway.

'It's going great, these are the dog days, but we're almost over the hump,' Storer said. 'We have a couple scrimmages, these are the toughest days, but there's light at the end of the tunnel. We're working hard and we're gelling well on and off the field, friendships are forming, I think we're really coming together well as a team.

'I'll be happy when camp's done because then that's the beginning of the season and that's what we're out here for.'

Following Wednesday's practice, the first of two Cal scrimmages takes place Thursday afternoon. The scrimmages as well as all practices are closed to the public.

Following the season opener against Tennessee on Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m. (PST) on ESPN, the Bears host Minnesota in their home opener on Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. on TBS.